Cybercrime in Nigeria: A Driving Force for Innovation or A Socio-Economic Plague?

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@article{1715408,
      author = {Chioma Sarah Ocholi},
      title = {Cybercrime in Nigeria: A Driving Force for Innovation or A Socio-Economic Plague?},
      journal = {Iconic Research And Engineering Journals},
      year = {2026},
      volume = {9},
      number = {9},
      pages = {2453-2458},
      issn = {2456-8880},
      url = {https://www.irejournals.com/formatedpaper/1715408.pdf},
      abstract = {This Article explores the dualistic role of digital activity in Nigeria, framed through the metaphor of a "Force" and a "Plague." While the digital economy acts as a driving force for financial inclusion and youth empowerment, the rise of cyber-malfeasance, colloquially termed Yahoo-Yahoo, presents a systemic plague threatening national security and international credibility. This study employs a qualitative, doctrinal research methodology. This approach is selected to critically analyze the intersection of legislative frameworks and the socio-economic realities of cyber-malfeasance. Through a critical lens, this paper examines the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015, the landmark 2024 Amendments, and the Evidence (Amendment) Act 2023. It evaluates the efficacy of Nigeria’s evolving legal framework, concluding that while legislative updates are a step forward, the "plague" can only be contained through specialized judicial training and a rights-based approach to digital policing.},
      keywords = {Cybercrime, 2024 Amendment, Electronic Evidence, Section 24 Cyberstalking, Nigeria.},
      month = {March},
      doi = {https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I9-1715408}
  }